4 winners and 3 losers from the second night of the July Democratic debates  —  Democratic presidential hopefuls on stage ahead of the second night of Democratic primary debate in Detroit, Michigan, on July 31, 2019.  Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images  —  One big loser: the DNC.

Jeffrey Epstein Hoped to Seed Human Race With His DNA  —  Jeffrey E. Epstein, the wealthy financier and accused sex trafficker, had an unusual dream: He hoped to seed the human race with his DNA by impregnating women at his vast New Mexico ranch.  —  Mr. Epstein over the years confided …

Trump Orders Navy to Strip Medals From Prosecutors in War Crimes Trial  —  WASHINGTON — President Trump intervened Tuesday once again on behalf of a Navy SEAL who was charged but acquitted of war crimes in the death of a captured Islamic State fighter in Iraq, ordering the military to punish …

Only 7 Candidates Have Qualified for the Next Democratic Debate  —  While 20 presidential candidates debated this past week, far fewer are assured the chance of doing so again in September.  —  So you made it through the second set of Democratic debates.  Congratulations!  Ready to talk about the next ones?

Democrats Are Not Up To Their Historic Responsibility  —  Defeating Trumpism means abandoning the politics of extremes.  —  To adapt a line from Huey Lewis, I want a new party — one that won't make me sick.  —  I have written so often (and so recently) about the ways Donald Trump's G.O.P. makes …

U.S. has intel that Osama bin Laden's son and heir Hamza is dead, say officials  —  The officials would not provide details of how Hamza bin Laden died, or if the U.S. played a role.  It is unclear if the U.S. has confirmed his death.  —  WASHINGTON — The U.S. has obtained intelligence …

James Comey's next reckoning is imminent — this time for leaking  —  The Justice Department's chief watchdog is preparing a damning report on James Comey's conduct in his final days as FBI director that likely will conclude he leaked classified information and showed a lack of candor …

No more debate.  Impeachment inquiry is underway  —  Although Special Counsel Robert Mueller's testimony may not have been a summer blockbuster, it confirmed the damning conclusions of his report.  The investigation revealed substantial evidence that President Trump obstructed justice.

What America Gets Wrong About Tracy Flick  —  In “Election,” she's preyed upon by a teacher and almost cheated out of her rightful victory.  But somehow she's the villain.  —  Even if you've never seen “Election,” Alexander Payne's 1999 comedy about high school politics run amok, you probably know something about Tracy Flick.

NH Primary Source: Talk at RNC meeting of recruiting Lewandowski to run for US Senate  —  LEWANDOWSKI FOR SENATE?  Don't look now but.....  GOP sources tell New Hampshire Primary Source that President Donald Trump's former campaign manager is the subject of serious discussion about being recruited …

RNC chair defends GOP donor platform in tense meeting  —  Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna Romney McDaniel grew visibly emotional during a meeting with senior GOP officials on Wednesday, as she insisted that she isn't personally profiting off a new, President Donald Trump-endorsed small-donor platform.

US President Donald Trump, in phone talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, offered assistance to Moscow in fighting wildfires in Siberia, the Kremlin press-service said Wednesday.  —  According to the statement, Putin has informed the US president that a large air group has been deployed …

After ‘Send her back!’ chant, Ohio rally a test for Trump  —  CINCINNATI (AP) — President Donald Trump's latest rally will be a test for both candidate and crowd.  —  The Cincinnati gathering Thursday night will be Trump's first since his audience chanted “Send her back!” …

Ben Carson Booted From Baltimore Church Property; Defends Trump Tweets While Discussing City's Problems  —  BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Dr. Ben Carson, the U.S. Housing & Urban Development Secretary, was in Baltimore Wednesday to talk about opportunity zones and federal programs that might help Baltimore revitalize its poorest communities.

Watchdog tells Democrats he can't probe White House security clearances until Trump asks  —  Four top Senate Democrats responded by asking Trump himself to order an investigation into White House security clearances for Kushner, Ivanka and others.  —  WASHINGTON — The Trump administration's …

Change in New York State law to usher in ‘tidal wave’ of child sex abuse lawsuits  —  (Reuters) - Thousands of child sexual abuse lawsuits are expected to flow into New York State courts in the coming weeks exposing decades-old misconduct at schools, hospitals, churches and youth clubs, according to lawyers for victims.

Charlotte Is Starting To Regret Hosting Trump's Renomination Convention  —  President Donald Trump's racist and xenophobic statements have drawn official condemnation from a city that is now predominantly black and Latino.  —  CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Republican Party leaders scoping out locations …